Meanwhile, police in capital cities praised the behaviour of revellers last night, saying most people acted responsibly.

Operation Talisman Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller, said the vast majority of revellers enjoyed their celebrations with family and friends without incident.

"There were more than one million people around the Sydney foreshore tonight and while police responded to a number of incidents during the operation, most people were well behaved," Assistant Commissioner Fuller said.

In Queensland, the ABC reports that there 400 people charged throughout the state on New Year's Eve, including 88 in Brisbane. Police said the numbers were better than the previous year.

Victoria police were pleased with the revellers celebrating the New Year. Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp said he was pleased to see people out and about having fun and enjoying the festivities safely and respectfully.

"The overall good behaviour exhibited by crowds overnight was pleasing," he said.

"There were a small number of people who did the wrong thing but they were dealt with by police so they didn't spoil it for others."